In the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $75,100. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting the unique economic landscape and potentially lower demand for these specialized roles outside of major metropolitan hubs. The specific industry mix and regional economic drivers in Northeast Iowa contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $75,100 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $125,690.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Northeast Iowa appears stable, with a total local workforce of 920 individuals in this sector. A Location Quotient of 0.99 indicates that the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand within the region. The presence of 9.304 jobs per 1,000 workers further solidifies this outlook, pointing to a consistent need for scientific expertise.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-18.2%below the national average.
$36.1
$1,444
$6,258
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and occupation group is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for scientific innovation, and evolving industry needs typically drive modest annual increases in compensation for skilled professionals.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries signifies substantial opportunities for career advancement and increased earning power.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $39,990 | $19.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $56,325 | $27.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $64,270 | $30.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $93,875 | $45.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $125,690 | $60.4 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$75,100
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$75,100
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $75,100 in Northeast Iowa aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average for this occupation, the cost of living being at par suggests that the real value of the income may be more competitive than initially perceived.
Job Market Context
920
Total Jobs
9.304
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.99x the national average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.99, the job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Northeast Iowa is neither significantly over- nor under-represented compared to the national landscape. This suggests a balanced market where opportunities exist, but the intense competition often seen in highly concentrated areas is less prevalent. Employers likely have access to a sufficient pool of talent without facing an overwhelming surplus of candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $77,220↑ 3% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $73,890↓ 2% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $71,440↓ 5% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,760↑ 2% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $71,700↓ 5% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $75,100. This typically ranges from $39,990 for entry-level positions to $125,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 18.2% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $75,100 is below the national average of $91,840, although the cost of living is at the national average. This indicates that while your money may go as far, the nominal income is lower.
Is Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($77,220) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Northeast Iowa is $75,100, which is lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the concentration of these science jobs in Northeast Iowa?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.99, which is very close to the national average, indicating a similar presence of these occupations in the region.
How does the cost of living affect the salary's value?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $75,100 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being nominally lower.
How many science-related jobs are there per 1,000 workers in this area?
There are approximately 9.304 jobs per 1,000 workers in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within Northeast Iowa.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 920 employees in the Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 9.304 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area